LITTLE FALLS, NY — Tucked into the rugged hills of Little Falls, the Russell Family Mine has emerged as a sparkling destination for rockhounds, families, and adventurers seeking the thrill of unearthing Herkimer diamonds and other rare crystals.
What began as a personal passion for owners Bob and Wendy Russell has blossomed into a shared experience, drawing visitors from across the country to this unique mountainside operation.
Celebrating their 20th year in the community, the Russells have opened their property to the public, offering a chance to dig for treasures while forging connections with the land and each other.
“It all started on this mountainside,” Wendy Russell recalled, her voice warm with nostalgia. “Bob and I met digging crystals on the ledge. He’s from Buffalo, I was living up north, and 24 years ago, we ended up here. Little Falls felt special from the beginning—the grass was greener, the sky bluer. Bob proposed to me on the crystal ledge, and it’s been our home ever since.”
The Russells’ journey to opening the mine to the public was as much about love for the land as it was about sharing their passion for crystals.
After settling in Little Falls, they purchased their property through a serendipitous connection—friends of Wendy’s regulars at the restaurant where she worked.
Over the years, they raised two children, Bobby and Rosalie, and became active members of the community, contributing through work and school. But the mountain always called.
“This place is special,” Wendy said. “We wanted to share it. It’s not just about the crystals—it’s about slowing down, connecting, and working for the reward. You have to hike to get up here, and that effort makes it meaningful.”
To make the mine accessible, the Russells spent the past year transforming a narrow deer path into a safer, wider trail. “It was a big step,” Wendy noted. “Before, it was a tough climb. Now, guests can get to the mountaintop more easily, but it’s still enough of a hike that you feel you’ve earned it.”
The mine, which officially opened to the public three weeks ago, has already attracted a diverse crowd, from seasoned rockhounds to curious newcomers.
Visitors have traveled from as far as Florida, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and even Japan, drawn by the promise of finding Herkimer diamonds—brilliant, double-terminated quartz crystals—and other rare formations like smoky skeletals and scepters.
“When you crack open a stone and see those crystals glowing, it’s like nothing else,” Wendy said. “They’re luminous, and you never know what you’ll find. That’s the lure.”
Bob Russell’s passion for rocks began decades ago in Colorado, where he stumbled upon quartz crystals while hiking near an old gold mine. “I was hooked,” he said. “I’d always loved the outdoors—skiing, biking, hiking. Finding minerals just added to it.”
After moving back to Buffalo to support his family, a friend introduced him to Herkimer diamonds, sparking a move to Little Falls. “I had no idea you could find crystals like this in New York,” he admitted. “When I saw Little Falls, I fell in love with it.”
For Bob, the mine is more than a business—it’s a way to share the joy of discovery. “When you find a crystal, you connect with it,” he said. “We wanted to share that feeling. This year, with the new trail and our 20th anniversary, it felt like the right time to open up.”
The Russells’ daughter, Rosalie, who has grown up on the property, shares her parents’ enthusiasm. “I love the crystals and the experience of finding them,” she said. “It’s exciting to watch other people find stuff, especially kids, because I remember how it felt when I was little.”
For Rosalie, the mine is a legacy she hopes to carry forward. “I see myself staying and helping people find things, just like my parents,” she said.
The mine’s appeal extends beyond the family. Ryan Frost, editor of the Buffalo Geological Society’s newspaper, brought members of the 400-strong club to the site for a three-day dig.
“This place has loomed in mystery for a while,” Frost said. “A lot of people were curious, and the variety of crystals here is incredible. It’s been a beautiful experience—everyone’s happy, especially the kids.”
Frost emphasized the educational mission of rock clubs like his. “It’s about teaching people, getting them involved, especially the next generation,” he said. “Trips like this are why people join. You learn, you find treasures, and you connect.”
On the ground, the work is hands-on and unpredictable. Michael McElwee, a landscaper by trade, operates heavy equipment to drill and split rocks, uncovering potential crystal pockets.
“This is where the crystals are,” he said, pointing to a cracked layer of stone. “It could be barren, or it could be a jackpot. You never know until you open it.”
The Russells price their finds wholesale, making the experience accessible, but the value of the crystals varies. “Small, bright gems start at $10 to $20,” Wendy explained. “Larger, pristine crystals with fewer contact marks can be worth more. It depends on size, clarity, and rarity.”
Looking ahead, the Russells envision a bright future for the mine. “We’re branching out,” Wendy said. “We’re hosting gem clubs from New Hampshire, Syracuse, and Massachusetts, and we’ll keep improving the trail and expanding the shop.”
With their son graduating and heading to college, the family is balancing their schedule around their children’s activities, but they’re committed to making the mine a regular destination.
“It’s a celebration of our 20 years here,” Wendy said. “We want people to come together, dig, and feel the magic of this place. Whether you’re a professional rockhound or a newbie, there’s something here for everyone.”
To find out more, you can visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/russellfamilymine
